Pampered by my three brothers: the return of the neglected heiress

327 Simple thing

“I found her.”

Penny held her breath as she met Zoren’s intense gaze

e gaze – his

– his eyes so deep and piercing that it felt as if they were slowly, carefully, and meticulously unraveling the fabric of her soul. The longer she stared, the louder the echoes of her heartbeat became. Even her swallow seemed amplified in her ears as she struggled to comprehend her feelings under such an intense gaze.

Gradually, the corner of his lips curled up as his eyes softened. “However, my friendship with her will not interfere with what I’m trying to build with my wife,” he added, leaning back. “So, you do not have to worry about that, Miss Penelope.”

“Pen…” she trailed off for a moment before a subtle smile appeared on her face. “We’re not at work, so Penelope is fine.”

“Do you have a shorter name, Penelope?”

“I do.”

“May I call you with it?”

“Maybe… next time.” Penny nodded slightly. “After all, we’re still on our first date.”

“Fair enough.” He nodded in understanding. “Then I’ll wait until the time is right.”

She pressed her lips together and hummed. “Mhm.”

After that, a silence slowly settled between them. However, it was not the kind of silence one would want to break it was a silence that one could enjoy.

—

Penny’s eyes slid to the side, observing his profile. For a second, I thought he knew.”

For some reason, she wasn’t sure if she felt relieved or slightly bitter.

Life would have been less complicated if their lives were as simple as everyone else’s. However, Penny, Zoren, and their families were entangled in some troublesome issues and with difficult people. As she had said before, she preferred to stay safe rather than indulge in temporary bliss.

didn’t mean this didn’t frustrate

the scenery passing by outside the window. I worked hard from a young age and even sacrificed my youth to avoid so many complications. But despite

for me.‘

to this

real headache. On top of that, Zoren’s family dynamics

–

–

involvement in some or perhaps all of these matters, Penny constantly. reminded herself to tread carefully. After all, Dean was at the top of the star section for a reason, and he excelled as

327 Simple thing

before passing judgment.

she glanced at Zoren again… for his sake. Maybe for

all dealt with… let’s go back to that place again. I’ll tell you everything about my life over the past twelve years, and I would love to hear your stories from these twelve years. Let’s also take Blacky and

away from him. As she did, Zoren slowly

on his face as he watched her before

[FLASHBACK]

pointing at the ground while Renren furrowed his brows.

don’t tell me

defended

at the worm again and squatted beside her.

see? It’s wiggling so

watching the worm wriggle its way out of the dry ground. “I think Mouse

why are you like that

said, keeping the rest of his thoughts to himself. Teven want

she pondered seriously, narrowing her eyes as she stared at

intently.

hand, just stared at her serious face as she considered her options. If someone didn’t know what she was thinking, they might assume she was contemplating a life–or–death situation. Although,

kingdom does she want to build?‘ he wondered, slowly shifting his

decided yet?” he asked after another

pitiful look and said, “I’m a

said it’s